Transportation : Volunteer Driver Program

Semcac’s Volunteer Driver Program provides transportation for persons age 60 and over and Medical Assistance, Blue Plus and UCare clients to medical and dental appointments. Those age 60 and over may also receive rides for personal appointments and senior congregate dining.

48-hour advance notice is required for all rides. The Volunteer Driver Program tries to fill every ride request, but occasionally the demand for rides exceeds the supply of volunteer drivers.

Donation-Based Rides

• Persons age 60 and over should call their county’s dispatching service listed below.
  
  

  Dodge County

  Call 1-800-528-7622 between 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  Fillmore County, Houston County, or Winona County

  Call 1-800-944-3874 between 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  Steele County

  Call 451-7134 in Owatonna or 1-866-238-9389 between 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  
  
• Clients receive a monthly letter requesting a donation for the cost of their rides. For local rides 8 miles or less, donations of $5.50 round trip is requested. For trips of more than 10 miles, the requested donation is $0.99 per mile.
• Please leave a message on the dispatcher's voicemail if you get the answering service.
• Rides are confirmed no later than 3:00 p.m. the day before the requested ride. Persons requesting rides that cannot be arranged will be notified by 3:00 p.m. the day before the requested ride.

Medical Assistance, Blue Plus or UCare Rides

• Medical Assistance, Blue Plus or UCare clients should call Health Ride at 1-800-864-2157 for authorization.
• Health Ride will forward the request to Semcac upon authorization.
• Rides are confirmed no later than 3:00 p.m. the day before the requested ride. Persons requesting rides that cannot be arranged will be notified by 3:00 p.m. the day before the requested ride.

Volunteers are needed for this vital service!

Volunteer drivers are men and women willing to share their time and vehicle to help meet the transportation needs of their community. Qualifications include: a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, a good driving record, and must be age 21 or over.

Based on their preference, the volunteers may provide local trips close to their communities or long-distance trips to Rochester, La Crosse, Faribault and Minneapolis.

Benefits of being a volunteer driver include the following:

• Personal satisfaction of helping others
• $0.50 per mile (Federal IRS rate) reimbursed, plus parking and meal expenses as allowed
• Training opportunities
• Set your own schedule and destinations